Neighborhood Guide

Albuquerque's eleven distinctive neighborhoods reflect the great diversity of our city, from the 300-year-old Old Town Plaza, to the gleaming new buildings of the buzzing Downtown area, the quiet beauty of the North Valley and the Spanish style architecture of Barelas. Each of these areas has a unique personality and a different variety of places to stay, things to do, and delicacies to eat. As you move around the city from one neighborhood to the next, we know you'll be amazed by the changes in architecture scenery, and the contrasts between the historic architecture - the Village of Corrales, and modern architecture - Downtown Albuquerque.

Historic Old Town has
been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded here in 1706. Today, historic
Old Town is the city's cultural center, with seven museums and more than 100 shops,
galleries and restaurants.

Downtown is in the middle
of a successful ten-year, multi-million dollar revitalization. Here you'll find
bustling nightlife along Central Avenue (Route 66), including many nightclubs, theaters,
restaurants and events. The Albuquerque Convention Center is located downtown and
is surrounded by several major hotels.

Nob Hill is a vibrant
district bursting with eclectic shops, swank dining, and chic nightspots. Route
66 neon signs and architecture combined with predominantly locally-owned shops,
galleries and restaurants make Nob Hill a hip and fashionable area located just
east of the University.

The Airport area is home
to Albuquerque's world-renowned airport, major sport stadiums and arenas, as well
as Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories. There are plenty of
hotels conveniently located next to the airport.

The Midtown/University
area is centered around the University of New Mexico campus and has hotels and restaurants
that are conveniently located near the I-25/I-40 (Big I) interchange.

The Uptown area encompasses
a major business center as well as EXPO NM, and two of Albuquerque's major shopping
malls. EXPO NM is the home to the New Mexico State Fair, one of the largest State
Fairs in the country, and during the year it is a major venue for sporting events,
festivals and concerts. Coronado Center and the newly opened ABQ Uptown feature
major national department stores with nationally recognized brands.

The Eastside of town
encompasses the foothills of the Sandia Mountains which offer great outdoor activities
like hiking and mountain biking. The Sandia Peak Tram will take visitors
from the base to the peak of the mountain on a spectacular ride.

Balloon Fiesta Park/N.
I-25 area is home to Balloon Fiesta Park and the Balloon Museum. Many major
hotels and chain restaurants are in this area, which offers convenient access to
business and entertainment activities.

The North Valley/Los Ranchos/Corrales
areas are all in a lush green valley that runs along the Rio Grande. This area is
known for great outdoor and nature-lovers' activities, wineries, farmers markets
and peaceful spas.

The Westside is marked
by the peaks of dormant volcanoes and the treasures of Petroglyph National Monument,
where visitors can walk among ancient volcanic rock etchings.

Barelas and the South Valley
maintain close ties to Albuquerque Hispanic roots and it is here you'll find many
excellent New Mexican and Mexican restaurants, as well as the National Hispanic
Cultural Center.